PROCEEDINGS OF ALBANY INSTITUTE. 129 



of personal regard to tlie memory of the late Professor Henry, 

 which communication was ordered to be entered on the minutes. 



The following is a copy of Professor Hall's letter : 



Port Henry, May 27, 1878. 

 Orlando Meads, Esq. 



Dear Sir: I am very sorry not to meet with the members of the 

 Albany Institute to-morrow evening, but I am quite unable to do so. 



For some weeks before the last meeting of the Institute I had 

 been too feeble to go out at night, and I went on that occasion only 

 from respect to the memory of Professor Henry and that I might 

 say a few words in eulogy of his character. I now find that I had 

 kept up and about my work quite too long. Since I came here I 

 have not been able to sit up more than half the time, and I have 

 scarcely the energy to write a letter. I am suffering from extreme 

 nervous prostration. 



I write to explain the cause of my absence, and I am very sorry 

 not to be present with the committee on this occasion. I believe 

 you know very well my esteem and veneration for Professor 

 Henry, and I wish not to fail in joining in any expression of 

 regard for his memory, or of sympathy and condolence with his 

 most excellent and amiable family in their great affliction. 



Professor PIenry was the realization of my ideal of a scientific 

 man. During a long life he has kept apart from all those influences 

 which serve to destroy the independence of so many men of science. 

 His simple and unassuming life, and his quiet and unpretending 

 manner, while confessedly at the head of all scientific men of his 

 country, has presented a grand example to the younger men, while 

 it has secured for him their love, esteem, and veneration. I believe 

 there has been no scientific man of the generation in which he lived 

 who has so endeared himself and his memory to men of all pro- 

 fessions and departments of scientific inquiry, and we cannot too 

 strongly express our sentiments of appreciation of such a character. 

 I am, very sincerely and respectfully yours, etc., 



James Hall. 

 9 



